Périgord is undoubtedly one of the most complete areas you can visit in France. A collection of landscapes, heritage elements and gastronomy where you can enjoy a holiday in the south-west of France.
Périgord is divided into four areas which are differentiated by colour. There is green, white, black and purple, which are the result of its terrain and the colours that predominate in its territory. Whichever part you decide to visit, you will always find a charming spot worth visiting.
It is part of Aquitaine and you will probably find it referred to as the Dordogne, as this is the river that crosses its land. Here you will find some of the most beautiful villages in France, full of castles, valleys and sites.
What can I visit in the Black Périgord?
Let's start with the most well-known area of this region. It is located in the southeast and is the oldest of all the divisions, with the town of Sarlat as its main tourist attraction. The colour assigned to it comes from the immensity of its oak and chestnut forests that provide shade and is the main producer of one of this region’s star products: truffles.
The river Vézére and the Dordogne are the main protagonists here, which made it a historically populated area in prehistoric times, of which we can about nowadays thanks to the archaeological sites.
And in the White Périgord?
We now travel to the centre of the region, which stands out for the white colour of its characteristic limestone. This is where we find its capital: Périgueux, which has many places of cultural and heritage interest.
Among these points we highlight an ancient Gallo-Roman city and the Cathedral of Saint Front, included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage, but if you want to make a quick visit, the best is to know its museum, where you will have a collection of cultural elements that will help you to understand a little more of its history.
What if I travel to the Purple Périgord?
If you travel here, you will have arrived in the youngest region of the Périgord. You can imagine that its purple colour comes from the large number of vineyards throughout the territory, with a special focus on the Bergerac area, which produces the best wines, with up to 13 D.O. respectively.
Also in this area you will be able to take a tour of its streets, which will take you to impressive castles and bastides such as the one next to the Luzier Gate, considered an important Historical Monument.
One of the ideal visits to make with children is to the Maxange Cave, in Le Buison de Cadouin, where a whole underground system of stalactites and stalagmites will open up before you.
Finally, what is there to see in the Green Périgord?
First of all, it is located in the north of the region and it is associated to the green colour because of its vast expanse of natural landscapes. The capital, Nontron, is an area of special relevance due to its leather and shoe production.
Other areas of great touristic interest are the village of Brantôme, where you can visit the church of Sant-Pierre, which has the oldest bell tower in France. Here you will also find the famously spectacular Brantôme abbey by the river.
Périgord and its colours will captivate you!
